THE INTERVIEW with FLAMINGOSIS

From D1 Wrestling to Sample-Flipping Greatness: Flamingosis Reflects on Sound, Growth, and 10 Years of Bright Moments

When Aaron Velasquez—better known to the music world as Flamingosis—first started making beats, he wasn’t overthinking his legacy. Armed with GarageBand and a healthy obsession with hip-hop icons like J Dilla and Madlib, he spent his early days crafting homage tracks, chopping up classic soul and funk samples, and laying down the groundwork for what would eventually become his signature, feel-good beatmaking style. Fast-forward to today, and the New Jersey-born, Brooklyn-based producer has built a thriving career that spans over a decade of lush, funk-infused electronic music and globally celebrated projects. 

Before he was lighting up dance floors and racking up millions of streams on SoundCloud, Velasquez was taking a very different path: Division I collegiate wrestling and film school. But the physical strain of weight cuts and grueling practices eventually gave way to his true passion. Realizing that editing video footage on a timeline in Final Cut Pro required the exact same rhythmic, structural instincts as piecing together sample chops in a DAW, he traded the wrestling mat for beat making—a decision he jokingly admits was a lot easier on his body. 

That keen eye for structural flow paid off when he released his breakout album, Bright Moments, back in 2016. Deeply inspired by his time living in Brooklyn and taking in the sights, sounds, and vibrant bodega music of Sunset Park, Bright Moments became the catalyst that took him from an online beatmaker to a full-time touring artist. The project encapsulated his ability to bridge nostalgia with fresh, modern bounce, solidifying his spot among the elite circle of instrumental beat producers who redefined early internet beat culture. 

Now, ten years later, Flamingosis is coming full circle to celebrate the project that started it all. Throughout 2026, he’s been hitting the road for the Bright Moments 10-Year Anniversary Tour, bringing those classic, soul-drenched soundscapes to life for crowds across North America. Reflecting on his journey from early SoundCloud uploads to headlining stages worldwide, Velasquez remains grounded, deeply grateful for his community of listeners, and constantly motivated to keep expanding his creative horizons. 

Milwaukee fans are in for a special treat as Flamingosis brings the Bright Moments celebration to The Cooperage on Friday, October 30th. Whether you’ve been rocking with him since his early GarageBand beat tapes or discovered his groove along the way, this upcoming show promises an unforgettable night of heavy funk, nostalgic flips, and pure chill vibes. Don’t miss the chance to experience one of beat culture’s finest operating at the top of his game.